PIPER PA32R
Colorado Springs, CO — July 23, 2009
Event Information
| Date | July 23, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA465 |
| Event ID | 20090727X43538 |
| Location | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.80556, -104.70055 |
| Airport | Colorado Springs Municipal |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA32R |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's low altitude encounter with windshear during takeoff.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, the tower controller cautioned for wind shear and then cleared the flight to depart. The pilot delayed momentarily to assess the wind conditions and then departed. The airplane climbed to 75 feet, and then began to lose altitude as if the airplane was "being pushed down." The pilot applied corrective measures but was unable to arrest the descent. The airplane impacted the runway resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The automated special weather observation report, issued shortly after the time of the accident, reported winds variable from 100 degrees to 160 degrees at 7 knots with light rain.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.